Transport Minister Criticizes Past Pilot Scholarship Decisions

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen has raised concerns about the large number of pilot training scholarships issued by the former government, stating that many students are now struggling to find jobs.

Speaking on Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu’s Ahaashey Bunaanan programme, Minister Ameen said the previous administration granted pilot scholarships without considering the actual demand in the Maldives’ aviation sector.
While the industry is growing, it expands at a relatively slow rate of around 7 percent each year. The Minister explained that this pace of growth creates only about 20 new job openings for pilots annually.

Despite this, over the last five years, more than 500 government-funded pilot training scholarships were awarded, and an additional 200 students paid for their own training.
“The government granted over 500 scholarships in this field. Highly capable students are studying in this field. Neither the students nor their parents are aware of the employment situation in this field. More scholarships have been granted than the number of pilots needed in the country,” Minister Ameen said.
He added that local flight operators have been pressured to hire more pilots than necessary, simply to address the growing number of unemployed graduates.
Given the current job market, Minister Ameen confirmed that the government does not intend to offer any new scholarships for pilot training.

“I do not believe the government will open up scholarship opportunities [in this sector] for the time being. It is more important to give priority to other fields. If students in this field wish to switch to a different area of study, they will have the opportunity to do so. However, those who do not wish to do so can choose to continue. However, I do not believe it is wise to send additional students for pilot training,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the need to align future scholarship programs with the country’s employment needs, noting that the Maldives urgently requires professionals in other critical areas.